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Finalists Announced for the 2014 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (September 3, 2014) – The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the finalists for its seven major children’s book awards:

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award($30,000)

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award($20,000)

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction($10,000)

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People($5,000)

John Spray Mystery Award($5,000)

Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)

The winners will be announced at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards and Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse – two invitation-only gala events in Toronto on November 6 and Montreal on October 28. Overall, $130,000 in prize monies will be awarded.

The nominated books exemplify some of the very best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is proud to share these titles and the juries’ notes with you.

This year, TD is once again partnering with CBC Books to present the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Fan Choice Award. Young people across Canada are encouraged to vote for their favourite book online at CBCBooks.ca, starting on September 18, 2014. One lucky voter will be selected to win a trip to Toronto to meet their favourite author/illustrator and to present the award at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award gala event on November 6, 2014.

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award($30,000)Sponsored by TD Bank Group

Branded by the Pink TriangleWritten by Ken Setterington (Toronto, ON)Second Story Pressfor ages 11 and up“In Branded by the Pink Triangle, Ken Setterington brings a unique perspective to holocaust literature and history, and makes it accessible for young readers… These stories reveal the truth of the horrors inflicted on men because of their sexual orientation, and share moments of great human compassion, giving hope for a world of acceptance and inclusion… Ken is a true storyteller, able to seamlessly incorporate first hand narratives with points of crucial information, creating a book that is not only important, but necessary.”

In the Tree HouseWritten by Andrew Larsen (Toronto, ON)Illustrated by Dušan Petričić (Toronto, ON)Kids Can Pressfor ages 5-10“An evocative and heartwarming picture book of the expanding gulf between two brothers as they grow up and one of them abandons the tree house they had previously cherished… In the Tree House explores the meaning of community, the intricacies of sibling relationships, and the connections that can be formed when everyday distractions fade away… Readers of all ages will find this stunning combination of Andrew Larsen’s prose and Dušan Petričić’s illustrations to be both comforting and enlightening.”

The Man with the ViolinWritten by Kathy Stinson (Rockwood, ON)Illustrated by Dušan Petričić (Toronto, ON)Annick Pressfor ages 5 and up“Text and illustration dance together in this beautiful story which celebrates the importance of seeing the wonder that surrounds us each day… In an age when people are bombarded with noise and distraction from every angle, one small child finds joy and inspiration in the music of a street corner violinist… Dušan Petričić’s stylish illustrations, highlighted with bursts of colour, are a perfect complement to Kathy Stinson’s narrative.”

Once Upon a Northern NightWritten by Jean E. Pendziwol (Thunder Bay, ON)Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (Montreal, QC)Groundwood Booksfor ages 4-7“This elegant story by Jean E. Pendziwol is filled with muted and magical illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault, highlighting the soft and charming landscape of a quiet northern night. Snowfalls and playful animals populate the pages, giving young readers a visual feast to go along with the spare and poetic language describing each scene… Readers will feel the need to tip-toe through the book, afraid to break the peaceful spell of the north… This is a perfect nightly read-aloud that will comfort and delight children and adults alike.”

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13BWritten by Teresa Toten (Toronto, ON)Doubleday Canadafor ages 11 and up“When Adam joins a support group for kids with OCD he finds a community of friends who help him navigate his world… Author Teresa Toten has created a compelling and delightful cast of characters who provide the reader with a chance to experience the world through a different lens and shows us that we all experience the world in our own unique way… Toten’s solid and poignant writing keeps things from getting too dark, but also never shies away from the sometimes unsettling parts of growing up and moving forward.”

Fox and SquirrelWritten and illustrated by Ruth Ohi (Toronto, ON)North Winds Press/Scholastic Canadafor ages 3-7“Ruth Ohi has created a supremely delightful and animated dialogue starring two unique and very different friends, a story that is effortlessly fun and profound at once… The captivating images flow seamlessly with the perfectly understated text… Readers will rejoice in the ways these two cleverly outwit those who would divide them.”

How ToWritten and illustrated by Julie Morstad (Vancouver, BC)Simply Read Booksfor ages 4-8“With grace and true genius, this book offers children gemlike insights into themselves and into their world at each turn of the page… The illustrations are stylized and simple yet convey a complex sense of childlike playfulness… A brilliantly conceptual series of plays on words that is carried flawlessly to its perfect conclusion… The elegant and warmly expressive art and simple yet powerful text come together to celebrate childhood itself.”

The Man with the ViolinWritten by Kathy Stinson (Rockwood, ON)Illustrated by Dušan Petričić (Toronto, ON)Annick Pressfor ages 5 and up“Rightly told and illustrated from a child’s vantage point, this real-life story contrasts the narrowness of the adult’s busy world with the wide-eyed openness of the child’s… Pitch perfect language and miraculously rhythmic art together dance the reader through this story filled with music both heard and deeply felt by its young protagonist… With superb skill, Kathy Stinson and Dušan Petričić take a true story from the newswires, and with mastery of their crafts, elevate it to a work of art.”

My Name Is BlessingWritten by Eric Walters (Mississauga, ON)Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes (Lakehurst, ON)Tundra Booksfor ages 7 and up“This story of an African boy plagued by disability, poverty and prejudice, and ultimately saved by love, is unfailingly respectful… Every child can be enriched by the unsentimental, honest and enlightening text and be carried away by the beautifully realized art suffused with the burnt orange tones of the African Savannah… The turn of phrase reflected in the title is highly poignant.”

Where Do You Look?Written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn (Stratford, ON) and Nell Jocelyn (Philadelphia, PA)Tundra Booksfor ages 3-6“A series of wonderful double-entendres that introduce language concepts in a playful way, this book contains few words but hours of fun… The playful joys and puzzles of language are presented with exuberant high spirits, in cleverly chosen words and brilliantly patterned collage illustrations reminiscent of folk art… This mother-daughter team brings artful layers to a seemingly simple concept.”

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction($10,000)Sponsored by the Fleck Family Foundation

Branded by the Pink TriangleWritten by Ken Setterington (Toronto, ON)Second Story Pressfor ages 11 and up“A brave book tackling a little known aspect of gay life in Germany before, during and after World War II… With remarkable research, Ken Setterington conveys the little-known history of a time when gay people were abused and murdered simply for being who they were. The individual stories he has uncovered reveal astonishing resilience and inspiring bravery in the face of appalling persecution… Ultimately, it is the reverent tone of the text that helps to guide the reader gently through this dark chapter of the world’s history.”

A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the WorldWritten by Elizabeth MacLeod (Toronto, ON)and Frieda Wishinsky (Toronto, ON)Illustrated by Qin Leng (Toronto, ON)Kids Can Pressfor ages 8-12“This is an ambitious attempt to chronologically present 180 different key historical events in the world. Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky manage to competently distill the details of each event and present the information in accessible language… Fascinating ‘ripple’ features add depth by putting the subject into context and modern perspective. This volume is a fantastic resource for seeing the bigger picture of highlights in human history.”

The Last Train: A Holocaust StoryWritten by Rona Arato (Toronto, ON)Owlkids Booksfor ages 9 and up“This elegantly written account of how one family survived the horrors of the Holocaust is both gripping and authentic… Rona Arato tells the tale of her husband’s Holocaust story with the deft style of the seasoned author that she is… A haunting, unforgettable book that shines a light on one of history’s darkest chapters.”

Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous KidsWritten by Deborah Ellis (Simcoe, ON)Groundwood Booksfor ages 11 and up“Deborah Ellis once again weaves her magic to bring out the stories of young indigenous people in Looks Like Daylight… The reader is drawn to explore the diversity and commonalities amongst the youth… The stories range from funny to poignant… All of the young people draw on the ancient cultures of their ancestors to help establish their own identities in a high-tech 21st century world… A revealing and insightful book that will appeal to readers of all ages.”

My Name Is BlessingWritten by Eric Walters (Mississauga, ON)Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes (Lakehurst, ON)Tundra Booksfor ages 7 and up“This picture book explores the universal feelings of fear of rejection and joy of acceptance… Based upon a true story, My Name Is Blessing details the plight of a young boy in Kenya living with a physical disability and challenging living circumstances… Eugenie Fernandes’ colourful renditions of the young boy’s family and changing circumstances compliment Eric Walters’ direct narrative with an understated grace.”

JURY MEMBERS: Hugh Brewster, editor, publisher and author of 16 books for children and adults, including At Vimy Ridge, winner of the 2008 Norma Fleck Award; Nancy Rawlinson, teacher, Toronto District School Board and recipient of the 2014 OTIP Award for Provincial Teaching Excellence; Tara Stadius, Services Specialist, Children & Youth, Toronto Public Library.

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Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People($5,000)Sponsored by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

Brothers at WarWritten by Don Cummer (Ottawa, ON)Scholastic Canadafor ages 9-12“Don Cummer offers a rich story that takes place in Upper Canada. A well written and engaging historical fiction account that raises questions about loyalty to friends, differences and tensions between families — issues with which young adolescents will relate… While relationships and politics can be cumbersome and confusing, the honest dialogue between young boys, both friends and foes, expose the raw truths in the pre-War period of 1812 Upper Canada.”

Graffiti KnightWritten by Karen Bass (Hythe, AB)Pajama Pressfor ages 12 and up “The clash between the Soviet victors and the German people after World War II is masterfully captured in this exciting story of a teen in Berlin who deals with uncertainty at home and school by challenging his city’s new social order… Bass has created a character that engages readers with his anger, compassion and remorse… A well written and intriguing book possessing strong plot, characters and themes within a historical context.”

Little Red LiesWritten by Julie Johnston (Peterborough, ON)Tundra Booksfor ages 12 and up“Set in the aftermath of World War II, Little Red Lies includes many elements that contribute to the theme of hiding secrets… Unflinchingly honest, Julie Johnston’s story of a 13-year-old girl living in post-World War II Canada will resonate with young adult readers… On the surface, the novel is about a soldier’s return from war, but under the layers of work, school and relationships linger the extraordinary truths held by Johnston’s characters…”

The ManagerWritten by Caroline Stellings (Waterdown, ON)Cape Breton University Pressfor ages 14 and up“A road trip tale that takes the reader from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Boston featuring boxing, sisters and an unforgettable pit stop with a Johnny Carson-obsessed matriarch… The Manager presents a unique plot about boxing and perseverance in the face of adversity… This novel may read like a boxing story but it is more an exploration into society’s predilection for disregarding others because of perceived flaws… This is a story of resiliency and acceptance and how to stay true to your roots.”

Me & Mr. BellWritten by Philip Roy (St. Marys, ON)Cape Breton University Pressfor ages 10-12“While a simple story, embedded with important historical characters like Mr. Bell and Helen Keller, Me & Mr. Bell shares an important message about recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses… Author Philip Roy intertwines the lives of the great Alexander Graham Bell with an unassuming boy with reading difficulties, emphasizing their common bonds and the opportunities that can be lost when judgments override all else.”

The Further Adventures of Jack LimeWritten by James Leck (Dartmouth, NS)Kids Can Pressfor ages 10-12“This delightful send-up of the hardboiled crime genre presents a series of intriguing high school mysteries while having fun with all the classic tropes of vintage crime fiction… The Further Adventures of Jack Lime is as hard-hitting and witty as the classic noir pulp fiction of yesterday, and the PI at the story’s center is tough as nails, unflinching and utterly likable. For Lime, getting punched in the nose is all in a day’s work, while for James Leck, the same can be said for writing classic mystery fiction with a modern twist.”

The Metro Dogs of MoscowWritten by Rachelle Delaney (Vancouver, BC)Puffin Canadafor ages 8-11“In The Metro Dogs of Moscow, Rachelle Delaney adds genuine humour to the adventures of an embassy dog named JR, a hero who is impossible not to love. But it’s when the mystery begins that this book takes off at an unleashed pace… This canine crime caper will particularly appeal to young readers just coming alive to the joys of armchair travel… Once you pick up this book all you’ll want to do is sit. Stay. Read.”

The Spotted Dog Last SeenWritten by Jessica Scott Kerrin (Halifax, NS)Groundwood Booksfor ages 8-11“In The Spotted Dog Last Seen, author Jessica Scott Kerrin has created a uniquely touching and informative book. A mysterious locker, a cast of endearing characters and fascinating tidbits about the ancient art of gravestone carving make this sensitive work about the grieving process more approachable… Each laugh and every tear is earned in this tale filled with twists, turns, growth and self-forgiveness.”

Whatever Doesn’t Kill YouWritten by Elizabeth Wennick (Brantford, ON)Orca Book Publishersfor ages 12 and up“Jenna Cooper is a high school girl who sets out to unravel the dark secrets in her family’s past… Readers will enjoy following Jenna’s journey as she discovers the opportunities for starting over that can only come from an encounter with the cold, hard truth… The characters are edgy, the dialogue rings true, the prose flows smoothly and the tension is tight in Elizabeth Wennick’s strong addition to the mystery genre.”

Who I’m NotWritten by Ted Staunton (Port Hope, ON)Orca Book Publishersfor ages 12 and up“This riveting tale of a boy who assumes a missing teen’s identity and the family that welcomes him back could have been too far-fetched to believe, but instead it is written with authority, heart and a great deal of psychological tension… This dark thriller is elevated from simplistic crime fiction by its nuanced portrait of a young man who turns to crime… A suspenseful story of secrets and lies, Ted Staunton’s multi-layered page-turner grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.”

Curse of the Dream WitchWritten by Allan Stratton (Toronto, ON)Scholastic Canadafor ages 9-12“Allan Stratton’s Curse of the Dream Witch is an absorbing and perceptive story about friendship, family, and growing up. The Dream Witch is a splendidly wicked and shrewd villain, while Milo and Princess Olivia are courageous and truly likeable protagonists… The fast-pace and fairy tale atmosphere will appeal to any reader who enjoys a deliciously dark fantasy… Readers will relish the bravery, friendship and imaginative details found in this irreverent story.”

Rush(The Game, Book 1)Written by Eve Silver (Thornhill, ON)Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollinsfor ages 14 and up“Captivating and at times harrowing, Rush grabs hold of the reader right away and doesn’t let go until its final word. Silver’s prose is dynamic and sharp; her use of video games is inventive; and her protagonist, Miki Jones, is engaging and admirable… Readers must give themselves over to the strange world until it reveals itself through each twist and turn of the plot… Rush is what science fiction does best — insightful, relevant, and challenging.”

Slated(Slated Trilogy, Book 1)Written by Teri Terry (Buckinghamshire, UK)Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Young Readers Groupfor ages 12 and up“Searing and urgent, Slated is science fiction of rare power and significance… It is a provocative, haunting vision of a world in which the government wields power over personal identity… This thought provoking dystopian thriller presents a world where no one is who they seem, maybe not even one’s self… The author creates an Orwellian-like future that feels eerily possible, and the multiple twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the end.”

Sorrow’s KnotWritten by Erin Bow (Kitchener, ON)Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Inc.for ages 12 and up“In Sorrow’s Knot, Erin Bow crafts a powerful story about loss, change and love… The languid pace and high stakes of a village trapped by evil are enthralling…. Drawing from Native North American culture and mythology, the language is lyrical and atmospheric… Erin Bow weaves highly evocative descriptions and gorgeous emotional depth through this magical Native inspired fable.”

The StowawaysWritten by Meghan Marentette (Halifax, NS)Illustrated by Dean Griffiths (Duncan, BC)Pajama Pressfor ages 8-12“Meghan Marentette has written a book ripe for reading aloud and sharing with the family… The Stowaways most importantly reminds us of the thrill and joy — and even the necessity — of adventure… Endearing characters, themes of innovation, adventure and courage, and a beautiful package combine to destine this charming animal fantasy to become a Canadian classic.”

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award
The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award was established in 2005 to honour the most distinguished book of the year for children aged one to 12. Entries are judged on the quality of the text and illustrations and the book’s overall contribution to literature. All books for children, in any genre, written by a Canadian, are eligible for the award. The winning book receives $30,000 and an additional $10,000 is divided amongst the honour books. The publisher of the winning book receives $2,500 for promotional purposes.

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award
The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award honours excellence in the illustrated picture book format, for children aged 3 to 8. Charles Baillie, retired Chairman and CEO of TD Bank Group, is delighted to give the prize in his wife Marilyn’s name. As an award-winning children’s book author and an early learning specialist, Marilyn is involved in and passionate about children’s literature. The winning book receives $20,000.

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
The Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction was established by the Fleck Family Foundation in 1999 to recognize Canada’s exceptional non-fiction books for young people. The award honours Norma Fleck (1906-1998), who inspired a deep love of reading in her children and grandchildren. Dr. James Fleck, who initiated the award, is the son of Norma Fleck. The winning book receives $10,000.

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People
The Geoffrey Bilson Award was established in 1988 in memory of the respected historian and children’s author, Geoffrey Bilson. The $5,000 prize is awarded annually to the Canadian author of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young people. In 2005, the Bilson Endowment Fund was created to support this award. If you wish to contribute to this fund, please contact the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

John Spray Mystery Award
The John Spray Mystery Award was established in 2011 to honour excellence in the mystery book genre. John Spray, President of the Mantis Investigation Agency, is delighted to sponsor the prize, noting that mystery books made him a passionate reader at an early age and helped him find his chosen career. The $5,000 prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author of an outstanding work of mystery writing for young people.

Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Established in 2011, the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy honours excellence in the science fiction and fantasy genre. Sponsored by HarperCollins Canada, in memory of the late Monica Hughes, the $5,000 prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author of an outstanding work of speculative fiction for young people.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization and registered charity founded in 1976 to promote, support and encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for children and teens. With book collections and extensive resources in five cities across Canada, the CCBC is a treasure-trove for anyone interested in Canadian books for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca.